The campaign was launched at GSF’s annual meeting in London, on 8 April, in the presence of more than 50 shipper representatives from around the world.

GFS maintains that shippers have a legal and moral obligation to ensure that when goods are presented for shipment they are correctly declared, stowed and secured in compliance with international rules and standards.

GSF claims that, even though the majority of shippers comply with the rules, instances of mis-declaration and poor standards of loading and securing are taking place, much of which is down to a lack of understanding of these rules.

Bob Ballantyne, chairman of the GSF said: “Our goal in launching this campaign is to promote and secure safer and more efficient supply chains. We are striving to achieve this by working in collaboration with the relevant international organisations and our supply chain partners.”

The group has launched a number of “hands on” and easy to understand best practice guides for managers, packers and warehouse staff to tackle the issue, as part of their new campaign.